NIPPON BUDOKAN

The Nippon Budokan (日本武道館, Nippon Budōkan), often shortened to just "Budokan," is an arena in central Tokyo.

For many Westerners, the Budokan is synonymous with large-scale rock concerts. It was here that the Beatles made their Japanese debut and the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded. The Nippon Budokan, however, was originally built for the Judo competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics, hence its name, rendered into English is "martial arts hall".


Nippon Budokan

Though it still functions as a venue for big musical events, its primary purpose is for Japanese martial arts. It contains three halls, the largest of which holds 14,000 people and is modelled after a hall in Horyuji Temple in Nara. The national championships of the different branches of the martial arts are held here annually. The Nippon Budokan is located in Kitanomaru Park in the center of Tokyo, two minutes' walking distance from Kudanshita Subway Station, and near Yasukuni Shrine. This 42 m (140 ft) high imposing octagonal structure holds 14,201 people (arena seats: 2,762, 1st floor seats: 3,199, 2nd floor seats: 7,760, and standee: 480).

The national championships of the different branches of the martial arts (Judo, Kendo, Karate, Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Kyudo, Naginata, etc.) are held annually at the Budokan. For wrestling fans the Budokan means professional wrestling's big shows. Now, the Budokan is mostly used by Pro Wrestling NOAH, who often hold major events there.

The Beatles were the first rock group to perform here, in a series of shows in June/July 1966; their appearances were met with suitable opposition who felt the appearance of a western pop group would defile the martial arts arena. By 1978, however, the arena gained worldwide fame when American artists Bob Dylan and Cheap Trick used the arena to record their concert albums, Bob Dylan at Budokan (1978) and At Budokan (1979), respectively. Other US rock artists to appear at this venue include KISS, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, and progressive metal band Dream Theater (2004). American crossover band SOD did not record their 1992 album Live At Budokan here, insteads they recorded it in NYC. English rock band Oasis played a series of gigs there in 1997, one of which was broadcast by MTV.

On August 15, a national ceremony to mourn the dead from the Second World War is held with the attendance of the prime minister and the emperor and the empress.

Some famous Japanese acts that played at Budokan were L'Arc~en~Ciel, GLAY, LUNA SEA, Tourbillon, Dir en grey, Janne Da Arc, miyavi, m-flo and many more.